Scoreboard
Bucks 130, Raptors 122
Spurs 106, Nets 98
Nuggets 122, Blazers 113
Sixers 120, Clippers 110
What went down
There's no denying that the Bucks are a more dangerous team with Giannis Antetokounmpo. But for the past three games, their MVP star has been sidelined due to left knee soreness. Head coach Mike Budenholzer said they expect him "to be ready to go soon," but today, they didn't need their superstar to suit up.
Against the Raptors, Jrue Holiday shouldered the load. Holiday dropped a season-high 37 points for the Bucks, who shot 49 percent as a team from the 3-point area. He also had six rebounds, and seven assists.
Holiday got some help from Grayson Allen, who showed up with 25 points, anchored on four 3s, and five boards.
The Bucks were up by 10 points after the opening frame but allowed the Raptors to take a seven-point advantage at halftime. After the third, Milwaukee grabbed an eight-point lead and never looked back thanks to Holiday who scored nine points in the fourth quarter.
The Bucks overcame a huge night from Fred VanVleet, who registered 39 points (including five triples), nine rebounds, and seven assists.
Milwaukee is now 2-2 in the past four games without Giannis, and 29-16 overall.
Big-time baller
Getting triple-doubles is an achievement for most players in the NBA. But for someone like Nikola Jokic, a triple-double is a daily occurrence.
Jokic gave us another full stat line in their game against the Blazers, scattering 36 points (missing only one shot!!!), 12 rebounds, 10 assists, a steal, and a block.
29 points
— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2023
12-13 shooting
10 rebounds
10 assists
And a little verticality... what can the Joker not do? pic.twitter.com/8xgZEtIqGX
It was the 17th career 30-point triple-double, tying him with legends Larry Bird and Magic Johnson for 7th-most all-time.
The Nuggets have now won seven straight games and remain the best team in the West.
What he said
As I mentioned earlier, the Bucks—even without Giannis—beat the Raptors behind Holiday's efforts.
But when Giannis returns and the Bucks get their other pieces back, Shaq believes they have a huge chance of bringing home another chip.
"They're gonna be having another parade" 👀@SHAQ speaks on the ceiling of a healthy Bucks team pic.twitter.com/RlYlvKVkYI
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 18, 2023
Did you see that?
You know that vicious dunk Ja Morant threw down a couple of days ago? Yeah, that led to this (again)...
been drug tested like 6 times this season . walked in the arena & found out i got another one today 😂🙄😒
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 17, 2023
